*EPF308 01/09/2002
Text: U.S. Lifts FMD Restrictions on Netherlands, N. Ireland, Japan
(Says they are free of foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest) (450)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has added the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, and Japan to its list of places considered free of foot-and-mouth disease and rinderpest.

A January 8 press release says the decision lifts some restrictions on imports of ruminants and swine, fresh meat, and other products but maintains other restrictions because of "proximity to or trading relationships" with areas where the diseases still exist. USDA said the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, and Japan will continue to be under restrictions for BSE -- bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease.

Following is the text of the release:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Washington, D.C.
January 8, 2001

USDA LIFTS FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE RESTRICTIONS AGAINST NETHERLANDS, NORTHERN IRELAND AND JAPAN

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently announced that it is adding the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Japan to the list of countries [sic] considered to be free of rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease.

This change in disease status relieves certain prohibitions and restrictions on the importation of ruminants and swine, fresh meat and other products into the United States. However, these countries [sic] will continue to be subject to certain import restrictions on meat and animal products because of their proximity to or trading relationships with rinderpest or FMD affected regions. In addition, all three countries [sic] will continue to be under restrictions for bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Notice of this final rule is scheduled to be published in the Jan. 9 Federal Register and become effective upon publication. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names and addresses of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Copies of the evaluation and supporting documentation are available at http:www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/reg-request.html.

Comments submitted during the comment period as well as the final rule may be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to review comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the reading room.

USDA has approximately 5,000 animal and plant inspectors and veterinarians at ports of entry and continues to work with state and industry officials to prevent harmful animal or plant diseases from entering the country. Complete information on FMD prevention efforts can be obtained at www.usda.gov.

CONTACT: Jim Rogers (301) 734-3256 or Jerry Redding (202) 720-6959

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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